by McKenzie Quirin

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Penn State Altoona women's soccer continued its Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference schedule on Tuesday afternoon, when the Lions tied their conference opponent, La Roche University, 0-0 at Baierl Athletic Complex.

Mallorie Smith (Bellefonte, PA/Bellefonte) led the Lions with three shot attempts. Although none passed the Redhawks' goalkeeper Julianna Hornikel, all three went on goal. Emilee Ronan (Davidsville, PA/Conemaugh Township) contributed two shots with one going on goal, while Meria Bertrand (Irvington, NJ/Irvington) and Camryn Kurilla (Mount Wolf, PA/Northeastern) added one shot apiece.

Nicole Schwartz (Clifton, NJ/Passaic County Technical Institute) recorded six saves between the pipes in her sixth start for the Lions, notching her first shutout of the fall.

The La Roche Redhawks' (2-5-2, 0-1-1 AMCC) offense began the first half strong, as they outshot the Lions 8-1, despite not being able to convert on any of their chances. The Redhawks had an opportunity to score on a corner kick late in the first half at 38:58 but came up emptyhanded.

Eager to break the tie, Penn State Altoona (1-6-2, 1-0-1 AMCC) challenged the Redhawks offensively in the second half, as they sent two early shots toward the goalkeeper. Each team narrowly missed scoring opportunities throughout the game, which could have potentially resulted in a goal.

Roman and Smith each put a shot on goal for Penn State Altoona in the closing seconds, but La Roche withstood the push to keep the game scoreless. While the final score remained at zero across the board, the Redhawks managed to outshoot the Lions 16-7. Corner kicks were tied at 2-2 between the two teams.

Next up, the Penn State Altoona women's soccer team goes on the road to end the month against AMCC opponent Alfred State on Saturday, September 30 at 2 p.m.